Halstead's glorious open spaces are worth far more than 70 homes, according to residents.

Property Developers, Go Home, have submitted a planning application to build up to 70 homes on the land next to Crowbridge Farm, Chapel Hill.

The plan’s were discussed at Monday night’s full town council meeting, where Halstead Town Council objected to the plans, as well as several public speakers voicing concerns.

Roger Bone, of Chapel Hill, speaking in public question time, said: “As we all know, its a historic and loved part of town.

“Its on greenbelt land that does not need to be developed.

“It is beautiful land that includes the long track to Gosfield that many people use.

“Access is not safe and it is not in keeping with the town.”

The neighbouring Crowbridge Farm has a Grade II listed barn, while a public footpath runs through the site.

Access is proposed off Chapel Hill, next to the farm, as the road leads into the town centre.

The developer has proposed to build 21 affordable homes, in line with Braintree Council’s policy, as well as suggesting a public open space contribution as part of the plan.

Initially developers hoped to build 80 to 90 homes, but reduced the number before the full application was submitted.

Mr Bone added: “I personally feel it is greed.

“I understand there must be housing, but that is not the right area of Halstead.

“I do not feel it is necessary to destroy this environment.

“I have lived here all my life and I do not want to see a beautiful piece of land lost for just 70 homes.”

Halstead Town Council strongly objected to the plans on several grounds, stating it is ‘not only land’.

A small part of the site is a designated wildlife area, while Braintree Council previously voted not to include the site in its Local Development Framework.